Horizon Ag: Across The South, Rice Crop Making Rapid Progress

South Louisiana and Texas

Other than a few weeds and wells having a hard time keeping up, things had gone really well this year until the last several days. We have been in a nasty rain pattern since July 3. I have heard of rain totals in some areas approaching 10 inches since the rain started.
 
Some rice has lodged, and we are seeing a lot of sheath blight blowing through the top of the rice canopy. Some of the rice where disease is becoming a problem is probably far enough along to where we will not see a significant yield loss. However, the main concern now is ratoon crop regrowth. If the sheath blight gets severe enough, it could have an effect on ratoon crop yields.
 
These rains have been hit-or-miss across my entire territory. I really think we have the yield potential in the field in both Texas and Louisiana. I just hope this rain will not cause too many issues. The forecast calls for the same weather the next two weeks. We also have farmers trying to harvest who have not been able to get started. If not for the weather, there would have been a few guys starting to harvest this week and next week.
 
The Provisia™ Rice System and PVL01 still look really good, and everyone has been excited about the weed control we have seen with this technology. We have learned a lot about managing this variety and technology this year, which will make us all better in the coming seasons. I am looking forward to seeing how the PVL01 performs this year. If you have any questions, please give me a call.

Michael Fruge 
District Field Representative
(832) 260-6193

Mississippi and North Louisiana

Rice is starting to head in my territory, and the crop is coming along quickly. The heat has seemed to help some of the later-planted fields catch up to the ones planted earlier.
 
Disease pressure is starting to show up as well. Blast in susceptible varieties is becoming an issue in some areas. Sheath blight has been sporadic and, so far, has seemed to be under control. All that being said, as we get into the time for heading, being timely with fungicide applications will be important to maintain yield potential.
 
If you have any questions, please feel free to call.

Tim Jett 
District Field Representative
(901) 687-6362